Hi All...

He's BACK ! I really a trying to keep my questions to a minimum...

Well - I took the plunge last night- and began my first model - well other than the whale - for real...

Once again - I'd swear that "Engineer" plugin is pure magic... I carefully took all the required measurements and logged them to a scratch pad... Started 3D Canvas - plugged in my numbers and with high hopes and aspirations - hit the build button... AND PUFF - I had the legs for my new Prarie... WOW...

What a rush when the model actually matched up to the plans..., Paul - I can't imagine how many hours of work you just saved me ! Thanks...

OK - now to my issue... No matter what I try - I can not get the "connecting rods" to display... I selected the "build" and "animate" button for the connecting rods... The object is in the hiarchy - however - the only visible faces are the ones facing "DOWN" and "IN"... I have played with the measurements trying to get them to display properly and nuth'n... If I revert back to one of the canned templates - the connecting rods display fine... Any ideas ???

This is a link to an image I posted of the model...

http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/DCForumID5/8321.html

Also - just and FYI - it appears as if the "mouse over" help dialogs do not display correctly for the appropriate fields...

If anyone does look at my image - I'd appreciate a quick sanity check... Does it look like I am proceeding correctly ? I'm especially concerned that the "Pivot Point" is in the correct location...

As always - thanks for any help !!!

Regards,
Scott

I saw the pic last night - looking good so far.

I suspect I know what has happened.

Check the order in which you are defining your main axle positions.
Start at the front with the positive values.
This will make Wheel1 the front driver.

The rods are always "connected" to the rear drivers


HINT: The plugin does remember the values from last time you used it, however it is always a good idea to use the save option to export the settings just incase (I usually put the .MSTSENG file with the 3DC file)
It can be useful, for example, if I improve the program, you would just be able to reload the parameters and rebuild the wheels.

Perfect timing for the message - caught me at lunch

Hi Paul...

Thanks - seems likely - I may have them out of order... I will verify as soon as I get home...


Regards,
Scott

By the way... just wait till you see the magic of "pipe builder" and Deans FOUNDRY!

You'll need them if you are working with American Steam!